RESIDENTS and visitors along the Murray River are being warned to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the detection of Murray Valley Encephalitis virus in NSW.
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Victoria's deputy chief health officer Michael Ackland said the virus had been detected in the sentinel chicken flocks at Deniliquin.
Mr Ackland said no viruses had been detected in the nine Victorian flocks this summer but testing would continue.
"Recent heavy rain in the area and relatively warm weather has created conditions ideal for mosquito breeding and we have seen a significant increase in mosquito numbers as a result," he said.
"With the school holiday period being a time of increased outdoor activity and travel to these areas, taking measures to avoid bites is a critical step to protecting against mosquito-borne diseases."
People experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention from a GP or local hospital. The last confirmed human case of the virus in Victoria was in 1974.
